FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/30/2017

An 83-unit mixed income apartment project in Middleton aimed at seniors and grandparents raising children will be considered by the Dane County Board this evening.

The Board will consider $665,000 in funding for the Oak Ridge development during its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday night in Room 201 of the City-County Building.

The project is being developed by J.T. Klien Company, which was earlier selected for low-income housing tax credits from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA).

Of the 83 units in the project, 70 will be set aside for tenants with incomes between 30 and 60 percent of the county median – between $25,550 and $51,120 for a family of four. Also, seven of the income restricted apartments will be 3-bedroom units reserved for “grand families” -- a growing type of household where grandparents are the primary care givers.

“We know grandparents are playing an increasing role in raising kids and this exciting project recognizes the reality of family structures today,” says Dane County Board Chair Sharon Corrigan.

Monies for the project were included in the county’s 2016 capital budget’s Affordable Housing Development Fund. The Oak Ridge project is the fourth to be selected for assistance.

The location on Lisa Lane on Middleton’s north side is close to shopping, public transit and parks as well as the future site of the new 60,000-80,000 square foot Meriter/UW Health Ambulatory Clinic.

“As a Middleton resident, I can attest to the high quality of life our city offers,” said Corrigan. “This project looks to take full advantage of it.”

Also Thursday, the Dane County Board is to consider a new five-year, $27-million contract with Correct Care Solutions of Nashville, Tenn., to provide health services and mental health services for inmates in the county jail system.

"Dane County is one of only a handful of jails in the country that provides 24/7 mental health services, recognizing that folks in crisis need help right away,” says County Board Supervisor Paul Rusk. “This five-year extension will provide excellent health care by professional staff who live here in Dane County.”